joshwoodward

Recipes 

Ok, so I have a 5 gallon Igloo mash tun (the yellow round one, with the red top) with a false bottom. I thought it would be big enough, but I keep running out of room, so I'm considering stepping up to 10 gallons.

The question: can I use the same conversion hardware in the 10 gallon cooler? I know the false bottom would be smaller in proportion - will it still work? And is the spout hole bigger in the 10 gallon version?

Thanks!

BrewLou

Recipes 

I just did the same thing...

I went ahead and got pretty much all new hardware for mine. My 5 gallon setup used a 1/2 setup if memory serves. The 10 gallon used a 5/8.

I went with the 10 gallon rubbermaid setup from my local hardware store. This time of year I snagged one for $40! Typically I see them around 65+

My main worry now (and something ill play with this weekend) is that I use the mesh tube method. I dont have a false bottom. I need to find a way to reinforce the tube so the weight of the extra grain doesnt crush my tube.

From what I have read the 10 gallons use a 12" false bottom. Not sure if that helps you any, and I would triple check this lol. Im slammed here at work and just trying to log on for a second

__________________
Primary 1 & 2: Empty
2ndary 1: Imperial Pils
2ndary 2: Hopslam Clone
Bottled/Kegged: Belgian Strong 10.7%

duboman

Recipes 

If the diameter of the false bottom is different then it won't work the way it is designed. the spigots may be the same if the manufacturer is the same

__________________
Nothing Left to do but smile and drink beer.....

The Commune Brewing Company-Perfecting the "art" of beer since 2010

45_70sharps

Recipes 

I've got a 10 gallon cooler for my mash tun.
I'm actually thinking of making a 5 gallon one to go with it.
I've already got an old 5 gallon cooler so what the heck.
After you pay for that 10 gallon cooler and a new false bottom, you aren't going to save much money by robbing the remaining hardware off of your old tun so why not keep it also?
I don't think I will use my 5 gallon one much but when the grain bill and water fits in there why not use the one with less empty space.
It should maintain temperature a lot better.

__________________
Let's see if I keep this updated!

On tap
Black Butte clone

In secondary
Pumpkin ale

In primary
Honey wit

Up next.. Firestone Union Jack clone

fosgate

Recipes 

I just got this 10gal mash tun from AHB http://www.homebrewing.org/10-Gallon-Converted-Igloo-Cooler-Mash-Tun-With-False-Bottom_p_1006.html Used coupon code SHOPFRND12 to get 10% off. I was going to build one myself but by the time I got just the cooler, decent false bottom and shipping I was nearly the same price without a ball valve bulkhead assy. (plumbing supplies at my hardware store are atrocious.) Granted the stanless ball valve is not as beefy as the one Northern Brewer sells at $35, it is a decent setup and just needs the stainless barb added which I bought from NB. I also installed a Blichmann bremometer and bent some copper tubing into the lid of mine. Before you blow the coin on a commercial grade though, you might want to review a heat test I did and posted here. http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f36/igloo-vs-rubbermaid-thermal-test-361300/

Alternately you could take your ball valve assy, buy a new false bottom from AHB and buy a 10 gal rubbermaid http://www.amazon.com/Igloo-Gallon-Beverage-dispenser-Dispenser/dp/B000F6SHTK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352518478&sr=8-1&keywords=rubbermaid+10+gallon+cooler

Or go with the commercial grade igloo and this is the cheapest I have seen it anywhere. $64 was the cheapest I have seen it before. http://www.amazon.com/Igloo-4101-10gal-Industrial-Cooler/dp/B00002N6SB/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1352518533&sr=1-2&keywords=igloo+10+gallon+cooler

My own mods.